(March 17) : A slide in oil prices lifted stocks and bonds on hopes that more tankers will be able to traverse the Strait of Hormuz, with signals that rich nations could release more stockpiles also helping sentiment. Treasuries gained as a drop in oil prices eased inflation fears. The US is letting Iran continue to ship its oil via the Strait of Hormuz, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC. Asked if there were ​any ⁠tools to mitigate higher oil prices — beyond emergency reserves — he said it would depend on how long ​the war lasts. “While it’s possible for oil prices to exceed US$100 in the near-term, we don’t expect prices to remain above this threshold for the long-term,” said Richard Saperstein at Treasury Partners.

Source: The Edge Markets March 16, 2026 22:14 UTC